Course: Sustainability Management

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Course title Sustainability Management
Course code MRS/GMUD
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Exercise
Level of course Master
Year of study 1
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Čechová Závadská Miroslava, Dr.
  • Huňková Zuzana
  • Parsonsová Aneta, Ph.D.
Course content
1. Introduction to Sustainability and ESG 2. Legislation and Strategic Frameworks for Sustainability 3. Organisational Analysis from a Sustainability Perspective 4. Strategy Development for Sustainability 5. Implementation of Sustainability Strategies 6. Financing Sustainability Initiatives 7. Project Management in Sustainability 8. Environmental Impact of Organisational Activities 9. Carbon Footprint and Circular Economy 10. Social Aspects of Sustainability 11. Ethics and Organisational Management in the CSR Context 12. Reporting and Communication in Sustainability 13. Internal Communication and Organisational Culture Change

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Group work
Learning outcomes
The course aims to equip students with both theoretical foundations and practical tools for managing sustainability within organisations across various sectors. It introduces core concepts of sustainable development and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), explores current legislation and strategic frameworks, and builds competencies in developing, implementing, and evaluating sustainability strategies. Students will learn how to assess organisational performance from environmental and social perspectives, measure carbon footprint, plan sustainability-oriented projects, and effectively communicate outcomes through non-financial reporting. Emphasis is also placed on business ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), internal communication, and fostering a sustainability-oriented organisational culture. The course provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills required to successfully pass the national professional qualification exam for Sustainability Manager (according to the Czech National Qualifications Framework).
Student eligibility includes the ability to actively engage in seminars and complete ongoing tasks assigned throughout the semester. Students are expected to demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work both independently and in teams. In addition, a basic understanding of the course topic and the ability to apply acquired knowledge in written and oral examinations are required. Emphasis is placed on a responsible approach to completing assigned tasks and on the ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively.
Prerequisites
The course does not require prior specialised knowledge in the field of sustainability; however, a basic understanding of current environmental and social challenges and an interest in sustainable development are expected. The ability to work with academic texts in both Czech and English and analytical thinking skills are an advantage. Students should be prepared to actively participate in discussions, collaborate in teams, and apply knowledge to real-world organisational contexts.

Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam, Written exam, Seminar Work, Written exam

Student requirements include active participation in classes, including the completion of practice-oriented ongoing tasks assigned within individual thematic blocks. Credit will be awarded based on the successful completion of these tasks and active participation in seminars (with a minimum attendance of 70%). Emphasis is placed on the application of theoretical knowledge in the context of real-life case studies and solving practical issues related to sustainability management in organisations. The course will conclude with a written exam combined with an oral component, which will assess both theoretical understanding and the ability to apply knowledge to specific real-world challenges.
Recommended literature
  • Doppelt, B. (2017). Leading change toward sustainability: A change-management guide for business, government and civil society. 2nd ed., Sheffield: Greenleaf Publishing.
  • Epstein, M. J., & Rejc Buhovac, A. (2014). Making sustainability work: Best practices in managing and measuring corporate social, environmental and economic impacts. 2nd ed., San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler.
  • Kašparová, K., & Kunz, V. (2013). Moderní přístupy ke společenské odpovědnosti firem a CSR reportování. Praha: Grada Publishing.
  • Veber, J., & Švecová, L. (2023). Udržitelnost a udržitelný management. Praha: Grada.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Global Sustainable Development - specialization in Transition to Sustainability (2024) Category: Geography courses 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Global Sustainable Development - specialization in International Development (2024) Category: Geography courses 1 Recommended year of study:1, Recommended semester: -